Published 14/12/2021
Start date announced for pipe duplication project
Hutt Valley residents are set to benefit from an ambitious project that will strengthen the local wastewater network in event of a major earthquake.
Wellington Water, design company Stantec and newly contracted construction company McConnell Dowell, will be installing a new 1.2km long by 1m diameter, pressurised wastewater pipeline from the Barber Grove Pump Station to the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant in February 2022.
The project will duplicate an old wastewater main that will reduce the risk of wastewater entering Te Awa Kairangi and the Waiwhetu stream in an earthquake.
Hutt City Council Mayor and Chair of the Water Committee, Campbell Barry, said this is an exciting and important project for the network’s resilience.
“This new pipe is a critical addition towards strengthening our core infrastructure and protecting our waterways. The current pipe was built in the 1960s and is vulnerable to failure and damage from natural disasters.
“With pipes like these nearing the end of their useful lives, coupled with the growth we’ve been experiencing, our infrastructure is under pressure and it’s crucial we invest before a significant event.
“This project builds resilience into our network, and ultimately protects our environment now and into the future from wastewater overflows.”
Upper Hutt City Council Mayor Wayne Guppy said he is looking forward to seeing the project start in the new year.
“Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to investing in key infrastructure—and that is what our residents expect us to do.”
“This project is an important part in future proofing the Hutt Valley and taking steps to protect the environment.”
The pipe will be laid by a mixture of trenchless technology (55 per cent) using a micro tunnel boring machine, and open trenches.
“This method of construction has been chosen as it will cause the least amount of disruption to the road network, businesses and residents, and to minimise environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions,” said Wellington Water Project Lead Linda Fairbrother.
“The new pipe is expected to be completed by early 2023 and the final product will serve 90 per cent of the residents in Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
“We’re working on behalf of Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council to jointly invest in this project, and others like it, to increase the resilience of the wastewater network, protect the environment and allow for future growth.”
For further information on this project please visit our website.